Hi Maira, I was going through the postings and found your question on an old posting asking about the October get together. I though I'd post a new message. <BR> <BR>We actually met today (30th) in Fairfax, VA. It was a small group: Gina, Dawn, Michele and her mother Joan (who I met in Paris in May) and myself. We had lunch at a GREAT Italian restaurant, Espositos. Excellent food and great prices. We sat around for about 3 hours talking about London, Munich, Paris, Rome, Venice, etc. And our conversations led to other subjects as well. <BR> <BR>I also met a group of people in Bethesda, MD at the end of August: June, Ilisa and her husband Jim and their baby, Martha, and my husband Tony and me. We met at the Mexican restaurant Rio Grande. Tony and Jim hit it off well as both are cops. They were busy yacking away as the rest of us talked about traveling. <BR> <BR>Both get togethers were lots of fun and I think everyone enjoyed the conversations and company. I plan to set up another get together probalby after the first of the year after all the holidays that are coming up. Those that would be interested in joining us, email me! <BR> <BR>Ciao. <BR> <BR>
Thanks Monica for the recap!!! It sounds you guys had an enjoyable time. <BR>It is such a cool idea! <BR> <BR>You know what would be fun also?....Meeting in London with Elvira in charge of logistics, Kay as tour guide, you as the entertainment coordinator, Wes and Al in charge of the nightly caps (a.k.a. conversation while sipping a nice glass of spirits of some kind), and Brian to get the group energized when the going gets tough. <BR> <BR>Me? I would be in the background watching all this and thiking that life is good.
Monica: <BR> <BR>The get together at Espositos was very nice! Mom and I really enjoyed seeing you again and meeting Dawn and Gina as well. Everyone had much to offer on travel information as well as other topics! We are getting psyched for London in less than 3 weeks! When we gather again we will have some London stories and photos to share! You really started a nice thing with these Fodors get togethers. I think Paris was the kick-off and now we are doing the U.S. This site really is a wealth of good information and now Monica has brought some folks together that might not have met otherwise and that is really a nice thing! Kudos to both! <BR>Michele <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>
Michele, I second the motion! I had a terrific time meeting everyone and am still in heaven over Esposito's fabulous sausage lasagna. <BR> <BR>I can't wait for our next gathering and the viewing of London photos. Maira, I'd be all for a great London get-together!
Hi Michele, Gina, and Dawn, I'm glad you all enjoyed the get together. I did too, and plan to continue these fun get togethers. YES! The food was great at Espositos. I definitely plan to take my husband there for dinner. <BR> <BR>Michele, I hope you and your Mom have a great time in London. Take lots of photos so we can enjoy seeing them at the next event! <BR> <BR>Gina, please don't forget the name of the hotel you stayed in in Munch. Thanks!
I am glad everyone had a good time as well! We should try to set something up after the holidays as Monica suggested. <BR> <BR>Gina, do keep me posted on that book idea for the handicapped and travel! It is a wonderful idea and I wish you much luck in getting it published! <BR> <BR>Michele <BR>
Monica, the Blauer Bock is at 7 Sebastianplatz, right by the Viktualienmarkt, near the Marienplatz (U-Bahn and S-Bahn). Rates range from 65 DM for a single up to 165 for a triple; some rooms are fully ensuite, some non-ensuite, and some with toilet but not shower. We had a really nice cozy room with two single beds (fluffy featherbed-style comforters!) and WC, no shower, for 125 DM per night in the middle of Oktoberfest. You can't beat it with a stick. <BR> <BR>Their phone # is 49(89) 231780. I don't think they have e-mail access. <BR> <BR>Have a great time! <BR>
Are you all travel writers? If so, any suggestions for getting started? The Fodor's website said that they don't usually hire people without previous travel writing experience... Question: where is a good place to get that experience? I ask this assuming, of course, that you all are writers.
Hi Dave, I'm not a writer. Travel is my passion and I've had the opportunity to travel to Europe several times. My only travel writing experience are my journals. I planned a "fodorites" get together in Paris in May and since the group had such a great time, I have continued it here. This group of people live in the MD, VA, DC area. <BR> <BR>Ilisa, I hope you and Jim had a great time in Florida! I'll definitely keep you and everyone else posted for the next get together.
Hi Dave, <BR> <BR>I'm a freelance travel writer; just getting started over the past year or so, but I've finally accumulated some respectable clips to my name which seem to be opening a few more doors. It's not an easy field to break into, but if you'd like to ask me any questions--although I don't claim to be an expert by any means, I'd be happy to talk to you. You can e-mail me at [email protected]. <BR>
I am a travel writer. The field is booming now, with many new publications. The best way to break in is to offer to write about an area you know well--better than most anybody, especially is it is off the beaten path. You may actually do best to specifically choose a place to travel to that most people don't go to--stay ahead of the curve. The biggies are already covered. On one of my first major assignments years ago I traveled to Guatamala, and let people know I was going. Of course I had clips of other kinds of writing, so I was already published. It's harder if you are starting out. Don't quit your day-job, as the pay is dreadful, even for the successful. But the perks and the experiences are what keep us going. <BR>And even if you don't get published, forums like this one are wonderful for those who enjoy sharing and writing.
I agree with freelance's comments; and would also add that if you do want to cover a place that's already been covered a lot, pick an *angle* that's new. Yes, new destinations are always exciting, but the old favorites are popular for a reason...so if you find something new and exciting about Venice, say, or if you have a different perspective to throw on Paris, give it a try. <BR> <BR>Two examples: the first story I sold was on Octagon House, a wonderful historic building here in Washington, DC. DC's been done to death as a tourist destination, but Octagon House, though far from unknown, isn't on the "beaten path." <BR> <BR>I've also sold some writing on travel for individuals with disabilities. London's probably been written about more than almost any other destination in the world, but "how to make the most of London for travelers with disabilities," hasn't been--so the Chicago Tribune bought it. <BR> <BR>Whenever you're traveling, think about what you're seeing that's different, interesting, that you didn't learn about from your guidebook. <BR> <BR>I definitely agree with the "don't quit your day job" advice--you'll never survive! But it's a wonderful addition to your life.
Hi all! <BR> <BR>I agree with Freelance and Gina about the writing. I too am a freelance writer with hopes of publishing a novel or book of poetry in the near future! I have written for children's mags while I was in high school and college. I never really thought about writing on my travels, other than the memories I keep in my personal journals with each trip, but it would probably be of interest to those who also love travel as we do! I have been to many islands and am now on the Europe path and I have truly enjoyed all my trips! Thanks for the idea to perhaps try to write some interesting tidbits that perhaps are not as well known by everyone! I am going to keep my eyes open while in London and see if that might be the start of something new. I could always do a short story or novel about London and some of its many interesting sites! Without a Best Seller under my belt however, writing does not pay the bills, but it sure is a great passion! Good thing I have a day job! Happy writing and traveling! <BR>Michele
I haven't actually done a lot of travelling yet, but I'm about to. There's a big world to see, and local culture (here in Arkansas) is hardly stimulating. I'm currently enrolled in U. of Central Ark, but in February or March I am leaving for London with a BUNAC Blue Card, which is, for all practical purposes, a UK work visa for those who are enrolled in the US. The blue card will allow me to live and work in the UK, which will make seeing Europe a lot easier. I'm also interested in Russian history, so I thought about enrolling at a university in Moscow or, more likely, in St. Petersburg when my blue card expires. The cost of living there is such that I could live comfortably for a long while on $1500. <BR> <BR>OK, I'm rambling, but I'm excited and just felt like "talking" about it. <BR> <BR>Dave <BR>
I am actually glad to hear that many of the contibutors here are travel writers or journal keepers, because you all write information so well and precise. I have found the writing on this forum to be superb and the people quite intelligent. I keep a travel journal of my thoughts and impressions when I go to Europe but later read it back and ask myself "what was I trying to say"? I really admire all of you people that write so well.
